Some say the monuments erected to honor important figures and events of our state's imperfect past are simply reflections of a time that once was. They are simply a part of our state's story.

There are others that see these monuments as an abhorrent reminder of man's inhumanity to man. They believe that these monuments celebrate oppression. They believe these monuments are completely insensitive to a segment of our state's population.

The Louisiana House of Representatives took up the matter of these monuments during this current session. The outcome of their debate will certainly bring cheers from one side of the argument and a decided air of disappointment to the other.

A bill that would protect these monuments from dismantling passed Monday in the full House by a vote of 65 in favor to 31 against. To be clear, the legislation does not give protection of the monuments in a blanket fashion. It will simply provide for a public vote on whether the monuments will stand in a specific community.

I think that is probably the best course of action. Let's leave this question up to the people in a specific community to decide. If the majority of the citizens in a community believe a statue or monument is offensive then let the will of the people rule. If the majority believe that the monument or statue is a part of the history of a community then let it stay.

I find it hard to believe but I actually believe the House of Representatives got this right by putting the matter in the hands of the people instead of the politicians. This legislation will now move to the Senate for debate in the legislative body.